Photos Courtesy of Mark Campbell

NEWARK, Del. - After advancing to its fifth Colonial Athletic Association tournament in the past seven years, the University of Delaware baseball team looks to begin its quest for another postseason run when the squad opens up the 2010 campaign on Friday at noon against Kansas State during The Citadel Memorial Challenge.

Headlined by an experienced senior class and an influx of talented newcomers, the Blue Hens hope to strike the perfect balance between veteran savvy and youthful exuberance in their quest for a conference crown. Behind an accomplished pitching staff and a potent top-of-the-lineup, Delaware has the workings of a team ready to make some noise this season.

“I’m a real believer that we can be one of the top-four teams in the conference,” said head coach Jim Sherman, who is in his 10th season at the helm of the Blue Hen baseball team. “I think we have enough front-line pitching, and offensively, I think we should be pretty good. With those components, I think we should be fighting for a top spot in the league. We’d just like to be a little more consistent coming out of the gate this year.”

Although Delaware is often recognized as one of the top offensive powerhouses in the country, the squad will rely on a strong stable of pitchers to help anchor the team. Returning ace Brian Rorick (top right) and sophomore sensation Rich O’Donald will lead the rotation, while freshman Eric Buckland should solidify the backend of the bullpen.

Rorick, who led the Colonial Athletic Association in strikeouts and innings pitched last year, will return to the top of the rotation in 2010. The reigning UD Pitcher of the Year, he closed out his junior season in sensational fashion, tossing three consecutive complete games before picking up an eight-inning no-decision against No. 28 George Mason in the CAA Tournament.

“This should be a fun year for Rorick,” said Sherman. “He’ll be our staff leader this season. He really came into his own last year, and as a leader, he can help bring all of the younger guys along.”

Similar to Rorick, O’Donald is also coming off a fantastic 2009 campaign. An All-Rookie pick last year and Preseason All-Conference selection this season, he led Delaware and ranked third in the CAA with a .244 batting-average-against. He also fired three complete games, including the squad’s first nine-inning shutout in eight years, and tossed at least six innings in each of his last 10 starts.

“Rich is coming off a good freshman year,” said Sherman. “And we’re certainly looking for him to repeat that performance.

Along with top two returners, junior transfer Nick Young will solidify the backend of the rotation, while Michael Londino and Kyle Thomas should see time as mid-week starters throughout the year.

Backing up the rotation will be a bullpen led by junior Matt Harden, who ranked second on the team with 15 appearances last year. Michael O’Keeffe, Chris Branigan, Matt Soren, Devon Pearson, and Alex Dalsey also will see time as middle relievers for the Hens.

Charged with the responsibility of closing out games will be freshman hurler Eric Buckland. A highly-touted recruit, he will bear the responsibility of serving as the team’s closer.

“We eventually project Buckland to be a starter,” said Sherman. “But, for right now, he can help us out of the backend of our bullpen. As a freshman, he’s as good of an arm as we’ve had come here in 20 years.”

Offensively, Carlos Alonso and Ryan Cuneo will once again solidify the top of the order and anchor the corner infield positions after piecing together excellent junior campaigns. Along with their impact on the field, which earned them both preseason All-CAA honors, they also will have a hand in leading the team off the field as two of Delaware’s tri-captains.

Alonso (middle left), who returns as the team’s lead-off hitter and standout third baseman, will look to build upon a strong 2009 season. Last year, he earned second-team All-CAA honors after leading UD with a .380 batting average, 78 hits, 20 doubles, and 12 stolen bases. He also became the first Blue Hen in program history to reach base safely in every game during an entire season.

“Carlos will be anchoring the lead-off position again,” said Sherman. “He’s one of the best players in the CAA. He drives the team, and he plays the game the right way.”

On the opposite side of the diamond, Cuneo (botton right) will serve as the team’s starting first baseman while providing a potent bat at the heart of the order. Last season, he led Delaware with 56 RBI and ranked second in the CAA with 17 home runs, highlighted by a school-record three blasts against Hofstra on April 20.

“Cuneo is one of our offensive leaders,” said Sherman. “I’m expecting a great year out of him, both as a player and leader. Like Carlos, he’s one of the top players in the conference, and we expect him to have his best year as a senior.”

Rounding out the infield will be a handful of newcomers. Freshmen DJ Long and Hank Yates will serve as a platoon at second base, while junior transfer Dave Anderson will fill out the double-play combination at shortstop.

The outfield will be bolstered by a trio of veterans, including second baseman-turned-left fielder Pat Dameron. After anchoring the infield for his first two seasons in Newark, Dameron will make the transition to left. One of the most consistent contact hitters on the team, he hit .362 and ranked second on the team with a .475 on-base percentage.

“Pat’s one of our top three offensive guys,” said Sherman. “He’s as disciplined at the plate as any of our hitters. And in the outfield, he has a little more freedom and can be more relaxed defensively.”

Senior Josh Dean will start alongside Dameron, brining his speed and strong defensive skills to centerfield. Junior Steve Ulaky will round out the outfield unit, earning the starting nod in right. Yates, when not starting at second base, will also see time roaming the outfield.

The team’s biggest question mark comes behind the plate after Delaware graduated three backstops from last year’s squad. Todd Menchaca, who saw time as a utility player during the past two years, will take over as the team’s primary catcher. Aaron Mascoe and Corey Jefferson could also see significant time behind the dish.

With that core roster, Delaware heads into the 2010 campaign ranked fifth in the CAA preseason poll. Georgia State, the reigning conference champs, as well as James Madison, UNC Wilmington, and Old Dominion are also expected to challenge for a spot in the postseason tournament.

“We always lean on offense, and that’s going to be one of our strengths this season,” said Sherman. “But, with our front-line starters, I think they could be a major factor in our ultimate success. Plus, we have great leadership on the team, and I think this group can get us to the playoffs.”